This activity was supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Cyprus and the Cypriot National Commission for UNESCO and took place in Larnaca from September 19 to September 22, 2023.
On September 19, 2023, during the opening ceremony, the Director-General of the Ministry of Culture, Ms. Emmanuela Lambrianides, and the Ambassador of Poland to Cyprus, Mr. Marek Szczepanowski, delivered speeches in the presence of ambassadors from Greece, Austria, Romania, and other accredited diplomats in the Republic of Cyprus. Subsequently, the President of the Cypriot National Commission for UNESCO, Ms. Lucia Loizou-Hadjigavriel, elaborated on the topic: “Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Cyprus: Challenges for Local Communities in the Post-War Period.”
A total of 21 participants from 7 European countries (Greece, Poland, Georgia, Ukraine, Germany, Cyprus, and Romania) took part in the seminar. The Republic of Cyprus was represented by personnel from the Ministry of Defense, the National Guard, and the Cyprus Police.
The seminar focused on Intangible cultural heritage, which has a significant impact on the resilience of local communities during conventional and hybrid conflicts. The seminar explored the connection between Intangible cultural heritage and social resilience during crises, armed conflicts, and post-conflict periods. Additionally, participants were informed about EU institutions, relevant bodies of member states involved in crisis prevention and management, as well as stabilization and recovery after conflicts. The overarching goal was to emphasize the need to protect Intangible cultural heritage.
Participants who successfully completed the course and the preceding online courses offered by the European Security and Defence college were awarded certificates of attendance, signed by the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell.
